Risca thug in ‘racist’ attack is jailed

1:10pm Saturday 5th July 2014

A RISCA man has been jailed for committing a “disgraceful” racially aggravated assault on the owner of his local shop.

Mark Williams, 45, of Meadow Crescent, Pontymister, who previously admitted the offences, was given a 12-month sentence for causing criminal damage, two assaults by beating, having an offensive weapon, affray and racially aggravated assault at his local Londis shop on June 11.

He had been going to the shop for 15 years and was under the influence of alcohol and an overdose of anti-depressants, at the time of the affray.

Cardiff Crown Court heard that Williams had gone into the shop and had started shouting about not being given credit for a £1.69 bottle of cider.

He then cornered the shopkeeper in a back room before pushing him and shouting racist abuse at him.

Prosecuting, Nick Gedge said Williams had gone home but returned with a pick axe handle which he used to cause £3,000 worth of damage to the store’s windows.

He also assaulted a passer-by and another man working in the shop.

Mr Gedge said Williams was heard shouting: “I’m British, you shouldn’t be in this country.

“I’ve got nothing to lose. I’ll burn the shop and I’ll burn you.”

Recorder judge Simon Mills said Williams had behaved in a “completely and utterly unacceptable and violent way”.

He added: “You completely and utterly lost your self control.

An order was also made banning Williams from the Londis store for five years.